MILLIONS of anglers will benefit from government plans for new powers designed to improve freshwater fishing across England and Wales.

The measures are aimed at boosting stocks of salmon and other fish.

There will be better controls to prevent the introduction of alien fish species and measures to remove obstacles that stop fish reaching breeding and feeding grounds as well as help to address the growing problem of fish theft.

UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw said the new laws would be brought in as soon as possible now that a government review had been completed.

"Angling is our most popular leisure pursuit with huge social,health and environmental benefits," said Mr Bradshaw.

"Our existing laws are out of date and not effective enough. The new laws should mean better conservation and regulation ensuring a better future for anglers."

The Government intends to use secondary legislation under the Regulatory Reform Act, the Water Framework Directive and other recent European measures to achieve the improvements.